Our Team

Hayl Zacks, Project 0% Diesel Lead

wiid@swiilawiid.org

Hayl is a proud transgender Jew, originally from Tkaronto (colonially known as Toronto ON, today covered by Treaty #13 and the Williams Treaties). They first came to Haida Gwaii in 2017, and returned every year until eventually making Daajing Giids their permanent home in 2022. Hayl is an Early Childhood Educator and researcher, passionate about creating a livable and liberated world for our future generations. They are a strong believer in the power of food and energy sovereignty built from the ground up. Hayl is very excited to put their beliefs into practice with their work at Swiilawiid.

Niisii Guujaaw, Co-Founder and Director

Niisii belongs to the Kayahl ‘laanas clan of Ts'aahl and has a combined degree of Marine Biology and Indigenous Studies from UBC. She now works in marine planning for the Haida Nation, and otherwise can be found learning Xaayda Kil, learning to grow and gather food, or on the water with family. She's excited about sustainability and renewable energy on Haida Gwaii, because energy independence empowers our communities to continue to protect these islands from resource extraction and other industrial threats. As an auntie, she’s proud to see younger generations leading in the shift to energy independence, and is committed to the responsibility to steward the lands and waters who give so much to us.

Lucy Neville, Co-Founder and Director

Lucy has worked throughout the Islands in stewardship and place-based education, and holds an HonBSc in Environmental Science and an MA in Law. A career firefighter, novice gardener, and saltwater enthusiast, she is passionate about the power of community-based leadership to drive the shift to sustainable, sovereign energy systems. Lucy visualizes Swiilawiid’s work as that of a nuu octopus: “we act as a conduit; we use our tentacles within the community to connect knowledge, people and vision.”

Brady Yu, Co-Founder and Director

Chair, Policy + Partnerships

Brady works in policy, paramedicine, and volunteers as a firefighter. They see the transition to renewable energy as an important part of Haida sovereignty, reciprocity and climate action. Brady has an HonBSc in Biology, Chemistry and English, and an MSc in Natural Resource Management. He is a parent to twin toddlers, and is passionate about spending time outdoors, travelling and sharing food with friends.

Jaalen Edenshaw, Director

Jaalen is a father, and carver who draws his inspiration from the lands, waters and culture of Haida Gwaii. His philosophy is that with all that this land has given us, we must give back. He believes that we cannot take this place for granted and we cannot continue to rely on fossil fuels while we are fighting to protect our homelands from oil and gas industries. When asked what guides Swiilawiid’s work, Jaalen said, “a big part of why we all came together is because we’re trying to create something positive. We want to use our energies to look after this land and see some positive change.”

Gwaliga Hart, Director

Gwaliga is a Gak’yaals Kiigawaay Raven and has worked in various complementary fields around Haida Gwaii. He has a degree in Anthropology with a focus in First Nations Languages and Linguistics from UBC. Gwaliga believes in yahgudang respect for all things and he understands that in order to continue living traditions and values on Haida Gwaii, we have to take care of this place and live in accordance. He is passionate about helping protect and take care of Haida Gwaii, working cooperatively, and growing a better future for the next generations.